Robert Francis Dwyer, Jr.

Robert Francis Dwyer, Jr. passed away on the afternoon of October 7, 2022 in Portland, Oregon at the age of 86. Born on July 22, 1936, Bob was a fifth generation Oregonian who remained deeply committed to his community and family throughout his life. Bob lived with great cheer and perpetual optimism. Bob was a scholar, a lumberman, a pilot, an executive, an accountant, a driver, a family man, and always a gentleman. He was a man of strong Catholic faith.

Bob received his early education in the Estacada school system before his family moved to Portland. He met his future wife, Lynne Berthiaume, while in high school at Columbia Preparatory School. After graduating as valedictorian, he planned to study forestry at Oregon State University until his future father-in-law, a Notre Dame graduate, subtly suggested that if Bob intended to court his daughter, he would attend the University of Notre Dame.

Bob graduated cum laude from Notre Dame in 1958 and remained a life-long avid supporter of the Fighting Irish. Having earned his commission in the United States Army through ROTC at Notre Dame, Bob served in both active and reserve duty through October, 1968. He attended the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University, Lynne’s alma mater, before they married at The Madeleine Parish in Portland on December 29, 1962. Bob and Lynne were an indomitable team.

Bob began his career working in the mills at Dwyer Lumber Company, and later served as President. He travelled extensively throughout Southeast Asia sourcing hardwood for import into the United States. In the late 1970s, Bob served as a member of the official US delegation to reestablish trade with China, and worked to establish the first golf course in Russia (then still the Soviet Union), outside of Moscow. He parlayed his trade expertise into importing beer from Singapore, and later acquired a company selling medical equipment and supplies throughout the Pacific Northwest. After his first retirement in the 1990s, he returned to school to study accountancy and became a tax accountant, working with a firm in downtown Portland. After his second retirement, Bob surprised his friends and family by becoming a Lyft driver. He enjoyed this pursuit immensely and it enabled him to meet new people and learn about their lives. Conversation was one of Bob’s favorite pastimes.

One of Bob’s greatest legacies is Dwyer Memorial Hospital, now Providence Milwaukie Hospital. In the mid-1960s, Bob and his father noted the lack of a hospital in the area and did something about it – they built Dwyer Memorial Hospital to serve the community. Bob was proud to have established what is today one of the top ranked hospitals in America, and was honored to serve on the Providence Milwaukie Foundation Board for many years.

Bob contributed in all facets of his life. At various stages he served as a Director of the Portland Rose Festival, a Board Member at Jesuit High School, and a member of the Finance Committee at Waverley Country Club, where he was a member for 56 years. In 2010, Bob and Lynne moved to Mary’s Woods, a community they cherished, where Bob was President of the Residents’ Council, served on the Board of Directors, and actively championed causes to enhance the lives of their neighbors. Together, Bob and Lynne created many happy memories with their friends and family at Black Butte Ranch in Central Oregon, the Oregon Coast, and at Eldorado Country Club in Indian Wells, California. 

For 43 years, Bob was a Toastmaster at the Arlington Club where he made many friends and many more speeches. He was a founding member of this Toastmasters group in 1979, and he deeply valued the friendships and camaraderie he developed over the years at Toastmasters. Bob worked hard to ensure both his performance and that of his colleagues was ever improving.

In 1998, Bob received his true calling in life when he became a grandfather. “Boppa”, as he was tagged by his first grandson, was the finest, most loving and supportive grandfather. He was incredibly close to his 10 grandchildren, able to follow their days through Find My Friends, with constant calls and text messages of love, encouragement, and support. Bob never forgot a birthday, graduation, or anniversary. He tirelessly thought of his family and their respective activities, keeping track of their travels, and always asking that we “give a squeeze” to one another on his behalf. Boppa will be missed.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Lynne; his son, Philip; his sisters, Patricia and Susanne; and his parents, Robert Sr. and Aileen. He is survived by his son Robert F. Dwyer, III (wife Diana, sons, Robert IV “Frank” and Philip II); daughter Kelly Dwyer Bloch (husband Robert, children Peter, Katherine and Charles); daughter Katherine Dwyer Spielmann (husband Karl, children Emily, Andrew, and Caitlin); and son David B. Dwyer (wife Elizabeth, children John and Georgia).

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Providence Milwaukie Foundation https://foundation.providence.org/oregon/milwaukie

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